Pick-up and lay-down system and method

ABSTRACT

A pick-up and lay-down pipe handling system and method providing a telescopingly extendable crane boom which transports tubulars and pipes both linearly and vertically. The crane boom is preferably pivotally moveable with respect to its base and the crane may be able to rotate with a 360 degree range of rotational movement with respect to the base. The crane boom employs a cable or plurality of cables that run between at least two winches at the base of the crane boom. The cables are run through two pulleys or carriages attached to a hollowed out half pipe section into which the tubulars or pipes are placed. The winches are then activated to move the hollowed out half pipe both vertically and linearly to the desired position.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to apparatus and methodsoperable for automatically lifting and lowering oilfield tubulars and,more particularly, is especially suitable for lifting various tubularsthroughout one or multiple worksites due to the invention's mobility andversatility.

BACKGROUND ART

Prior art oil field pipe handling systems and methods are well known forlifting and lowering drill pipe and casing to and from pipe racks, toand from the catwalk, and then onto the rig floor, and/or for stackingthe pipe at other locations adjacent to or separated from the rig floor.However, the prior art systems have problems relating to moving the pipehandling systems throughout a worksite or to multiple worksites quicklyand efficiently. Prior art systems are limited in their adaptability tothe path of transportation typically to and from each particular rigfloor, catwalk, and pipe rack arrangement. Moreover, prior art islimited in receiving pipes directly from pipe racks located linearlynear the base of the rig or derrick.

A listing of U.S. patents which show various attempts to providesuitable devices, methods, and machines for handling drilling tubularsof various types and under various work situations and for various workenvironments includes the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,713,547; 3,774,780;3,991,887; 4,040,524; 4,053,063; 4,140,227; 4,212,576; 4,267,675;4,332,411; 4,491,450; 4,492,502; 4,492,502; 4,951,759; and 5,456,560.

However, the above prior art does not provide a suitable means forquickly moving from one site to another after having completed a job ata particular site. For instance, many devices have rigid structures usedto hoist tubulars that are temporarily stationed on the ground duringthe hoisting process. Further, the stationary position of these systemsallows for little room to finely maneuver the hoisted tubulars and aretherefore prone to damage. Further, these systems do not allow for arotational capability both before and after placement of the pipes inthe trough or pipe carrier. Moreover, the pathway for which to load thetubulars will often vary depending on the particulars of constructionfor each drilling, workover, offshore, and/or onshore rig, so addedmobility and rotational capability while the tubulars are hoisted canincrease efficiency while loading and unloading tubulars.

It would be desirable to provide a machine which will handle all typesof pipes and which will adapt to the many different transportationpathways for transporting tubulars from pipe racks to the rig floorwithout damage to tubulars, which are prone to damage due to sharplateral impacts or impacts to the sensitive threaded ends thereof.

Consequently, those of skill in the art will appreciate the presentinvention which addresses the above and other problems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The objects and advantages of the present invention, and a betterunderstanding of the principles and details of the present invention,will be evident from the following description taken in conjunction withthe appended drawings.

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and includeexemplary embodiments of the present invention, which may be embodied invarious forms. It is to be understood that in some instances, variousaspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated, reduced or enlarged,or otherwise distorted to facilitate an understanding of the presentinvention.

For a further understanding of the nature and objects of the presentinvention, reference should be had to the following detaileddescription, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich like elements are given the same or analogous reference numbersand wherein:

FIG. 1 is, in accordance with the present invention, an elevational viewof one possible embodiment of a system and method with a pipe mountedthereon for movement to the rig floor from the catwalk in accord withthe present invention. FIG. 1 shows the embodiment in the operativemode;

FIG. 2 is, in accordance with the present invention, an enlargedfragmentary side view of part of the apparatus seen in the foregoingfigure;

FIG. 3 is, in accordance with the invention, a side elevational view ofa pipe carrier, showing sheaves and method of support to carriages infigures; and

FIG. 4 is, in accordance with the invention, an enlarged sideelevational view of the truck and boom unit of the apparatus.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

For a further understanding of the nature, function, and objects of thepresent invention, reference should now be made to the followingdetailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings. Detailed descriptions of the embodiments are provided herein,as well as modes of carrying out and employing the present invention. Itis to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodiedin various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are notto be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims andas a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employthe present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system,structure, or manner. The practice of the present invention isillustrated by the following examples which are deemed illustrative ofboth the process taught by the present invention and of the product andarticle of manufacture yielded in accordance with the present invention.

In accordance with the invention, referring now to the drawings and,more particularly, to FIG. 1, the arrow at numeral 10 broadly indicatesa crane boom apparatus for preferably, but not limited to, transportingpipe between spaced-apart locations in the operating position. FIG. 1shows the crane boom apparatus in the preferable operative position withthe trough, which may embody, but is not limited to, a trough 23 in asubstantially parallel position to the crane boom 8. The trough ispreferably a hollowed out half pipe assembly, but can also be afabricated trough, sling or a variety of apparatuses configured to holdpipes. The entire crane boom 8 is preferably divided in to anontelescoping portion 16 and a telescoping portion 13. Crane boom 8 iscapable of telescopic movement in the conventional manner to reach thedesired length necessary to move the trough 23 into the proper unloadingposition. One or a plurality of cables or ropes 20 preferably attachesto at least one first winch or drum 12, preferably located at the baseof the crane boom 8, and is extended over one or a plurality of pulleys14 and then one or a plurality of second pulleys 15. At least one firstwinch or drum 12 is powered and functions in a conventional manner andmay be alternatively attached to the crane boom 8. The cable 20 extendsto conventional spaced-apart cable receiving carriages or pulleys 17 and18 which depend from cable 20. The crane 2 of the cable boom apparatus10 is substantially capable of 360 degree rotational movement inrelation to its base 4. It should be understood that for the purpose ofthis invention it is not necessary for the cable boom apparatus 10 to becapable of rotational movement and that furthermore, the crane boomapparatus 10, if capable of rotational movement, does not need to fullyrotate 360 degrees. The crane 2 rotational movement is powered in theconventional manner. The crane 2 and the base 4 can be one unit or aplurality of separate units. Crane boom 8 is also capable of verticalpivotal movement in regards to its crane 2 and may be powered in aconventional manner. Crane boom 8 is also capable of telescopingmovement with regard to its crane 2. The crane 2 is substantiallylocated on a base 4, which may be embodied as, but is not limited to, atruck, trailer, cab or other moveable mounting system.

Spaced-apart cable receiving carriages or pulleys 17 and 18 supportconventional frame brackets or other supportive means including, but notlimited to, cables, pulleys, frames, cradles and ropes. The supportivemeans 21 and supportive means 22 support trough 23. As shown, pipe 5 ispresent in the trough 23. Cable 20 then runs from frame bracket 18 to atleast one second winch or drum 25. At least one second winch or drum 25is powered in a conventional manner and may be attached to the crane 2or the crane boom 8.

In accordance with the invention, FIG. 2 illustrates, but is not limitedto, an embodiment of the trough 23 as a hollowed out half pipe assemblywhich has a semicircular receiving portion 215, which may be flanged onthe interior. The trough 23 has support hooks 210 and 212 withrespective holes 204 and 202 at each end of the trough 23.

In accordance with the invention, FIG. 2 illustrates, but is not limitedto, an embodiment of the supportive means 21 and 22 as frames 83 and 84which each have a clevis 200 and 201, which preferably pivotally connectto the support hooks 210 and 212. The clevis 200 has a pin therethroughand the clevis 201 has a pin therethrough, wherein pins 206 and 208 passthrough holes 202 and 204 in the respective support hooks 210 and 212,at each end of the trough, designated generally as 23. The trough 23 issubstantially semi-cylindrical in shape. The frames 83 and 84 each havea clevis 81 and 82 which preferably pivotally attaches to thesubstantially spaced-apart pulley 17 and 18.

In accordance with the invention, FIG. 3 illustrates, but is not limitedto, an embodiment of the trough 23, which has a semi-circular receivingportion 215, which may be flanged on the interior sides. Positioned inthe trough 23 is pipe or tubular 5 (not shown.) The trough 23 hassupport hooks 210 and 212 with respective holes 204 and 202 at each endof the trough 23.

In accordance with the invention, FIG. 4 shows, but is not limited to,base 4 which may be embodied as, but is not limited to, a truck,trailer, cab or other moveable mounting system, which has a crane 2which may be capable, but not necessarily, of 360 degree rotationalmovement thereon. Located on this crane 2 is the crane boom 8 with itstelescoping portions 13 and non telescoping portion 16. Crane boom 8 isalso capable of pivotal vertical movement with regard to the crane 2.The crane boom apparatus 10 is shown in the operative position with thetrough 23 (not shown) in a substantially parallel position to the craneboom 8. Crane boom 8 is preferably capable of telescoping movement toreach the desired length necessary to move trough 23 into the properunloading position. Cable 20 attaches from an at least one first winchor drum 12 located on the crane 2 of the crane boom 8 and is likewiseattached to at least one second winch or drum 25 located on the base ofthe crane boom. At least one first winch or drum 12 and at least onesecond winch or drum 25 are alternatively attached to crane boom 8. Itshould be noted that one or a plurality of first winches or drums 12 andsecond winches or drums 25 may be utilized in accordance with thisinvention.

In accordance with the invention, when in operation, apparatus 10 canfunction, but is not limited to functioning, in the following manner:base 4 is brought to the work site and positioned in such a fashion asto be in substantially close proximity to the pipes needed to be loadedand to the rig to which they need to be loaded. Crane boom 8 is thenlowered and preferably positioned above pipes 5. At least one firstwinch or drum 12 and at least one second winch or drum 25 allow cable 20to go slack, thereby allowing trough 23 to lie substantially parallel toand in contact with the ground. At that point a tubular or pipe 5 isinserted into the trough 23. When the tubular is securely and fullyplaced in the middle of trough 23, at least one second winch or drum 25is then placed in a lock position thereby not allowing any more slack oncable 20. After at least one second winch or drum 25 is in a lockedposition, at least one first winch or drum 12 is activated, therebyretracting cable 20 and causing trough 23 to lift off the ground. Whentrough 23 is preferably substantially parallel to crane boom 8, at leastone second winch or drum 25 is then activated, thereby allowing cable 20to unwind, thereby allowing trough 23 to move in a forward linear mannersubstantially parallel to the crane boom 8. Crane 2 may possibly berotated (if capable), moved pivotally or moved telescopically to a finetuned position and reception of trough 23 on the rig. When the trough 23is in the proper position for a derrick floor or other receiving stationto receive the pipe or tubular 5, both at least one first winch or drum12 and at least one second winch or drum 25 are placed in a lockedposition. The pipe or tubular is then unloaded from the trough 23. Afterthe pipe or tubular is unloaded, at least one first winch 12 isactivated in a reverse direction, thereby allowing cable 20 to unwind.Meanwhile, at least one second winch or drum 25 is activated to beginretracting the cable 20. During this process the trough 23 is preferablykept substantially parallel to the telescoping crane boom 8. When trough23 reaches a predetermined position, at least one second winch or drum25 and at least one first winch or drum 12 will begin to unwind thecable 20, thereby allowing trough 23 to lower to the ground where it canbe loaded with another pipe or tubular and the process is repeated asneeded.

Alternatively, in operation, apparatus 10 may function, but is notlimited in functioning, as previously described herein above but withthe following modification: base 4 is brought to the work site andpositioned in a linear manner such that there is a direct linear pathwaybetween the pipe rack and the rig to which the pipes need to be loaded.

It may be seen from the preceding description that a new and improvedpipe pick-up and lay-down system and method has been provided. Althoughvery specific examples have been described and disclosed, the inventionof the instant application is considered to comprise and is intended tocomprise any equivalent structure and may be constructed in manydifferent ways to function and operate in the general manner asexplained hereinbefore. Accordingly, it is noted that the embodiment ofthe new and improved pipe pick-up and lay-down system and methoddescribed herein in detail for exemplary purposes is, of course, subjectto many different variations in structure, design, application andmethodology. Because many varying and different embodiments may be madewithin the scope of the inventive concept(s) herein taught, and becausemany modifications may be made in the embodiment herein detailed inaccordance with the descriptive requirements of the law, it is to beunderstood that the details herein are to be interpreted as illustrativeand not in a limiting sense.

1. (canceled)
 2. A pipe rig independent pipe handling machine for movingtubulars comprising; a crane; a base; said crane further comprising atelescoping boom; said boom having movement capability inwardly andoutwardly from said base; a cable mounted system attached to said boom;a trough attached to said cable system; wherein said crane is rotatableattached said base; wherein said trough has tubulars loaded into saidtrough such that tubulars are laying in a longitudinal manner; and saidtrough being able to be moved substantially longitudinally relative tosaid boom such that tubulars can be positioned to locations that aredesired in any three dimensional direction.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2further comprising; said base being mounted on tires or wheels. 4.(canceled)
 5. A pipe rig independent pipe handling machine for movingtubulars comprising: a crane; said crane having a base; said base havinga front and a rear wherein; said crane further comprising a telescopingboom mounted on the rear of said crane; said telescoping boom being ableto move pivotally in a vertical fashion in regards to said base; saidtelescoping boom being able to move in a telescoping fashion in regardsto said base; a moveable trough; said crane being able to rotate aboutsaid base; said moveable trough being movable linearly along thedistance of the boom; and one or more powered units for raising andlowering said moveable trough toward and away from a rig floor.
 6. Thepipe handling machine of claim 5, further comprising said one or morepower units being attached to said base.
 7. (canceled)
 8. The pipehandling machine of claim 5, further comprising said one or more powerunits being attached to said crane.
 9. The pipe handling machine ofclaim 5, wherein said telescoping boom further comprises a telescopingportion and a nontelescoping portion.
 10. The pipe handling machine ofclaim 5, wherein said moveable trough further comprises a hollowed outhalf pipe containing a backstop to prevent tubulars from sliding out ofthe trough during operation.
 11. The pipe handling machine of claim 5,wherein said moveable trough is moveable between a first position on arig floor and a second position parallel to said boom.
 12. The pipehandling machine of claim 5, further comprising the boom containing atleast one pulley at the end of the boom located furthest from the cranemounting system.
 13. The pipe handling machine of claim 5, furtherhaving the boom containing at least one pulley or winch locatedsubstantially near the base of the nontelescoping portion of the boom.14. The pipe handling machine of claim 13, wherein at least one pulleyor winch has at least one wire cable extending from said one pulley orwinch; and said cable being attached to carriages, said carriages beingattached to a moveable trough.
 15. The pipe handling machine of claim13, wherein at least one pulley or winch has one wire rope or cableextending from said one pulley or winch; and said wire or cable beingattached to two carriages, said carriages attached to a moveable trough.16. The pipe handling machine of claim 13, wherein at least one pulleyor winch has a plurality of wires or cables extending from said onepulley or winch; and said wires or cables being attached to twocarriages, said carriages attached to a moveable trough.
 17. A methodfor picking up or laying down oil field tubulars with respect to a rigfloor independent of the pipe rig, comprising the following steps in anyorder: positioning a crane attached to a base in the vicinity of saidtubulars; positioning at least one oil field tubular in an elongatetrough; contracting cable or a plurality of cables attached to saidtrough by clips; raising or lowering said trough by said contracting;providing rotational capability of said crane in relation to said base;and moving the trough linearly in relation to said base by the use of atleast one power unit.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprisingmoving the trough to or from the top of a rigging unit.
 19. (canceled)20. The method of claim 17, further comprising telescoping movement ofsaid crane.
 21. The method of claim 17, further comprising verticalpivotal movement of said crane in relation to said base.
 22. (canceled)23. A method for picking up or laying down oil field tubulars withrespect to a rig floor, but independent of a pipe rig, comprising thefollowing steps in any order: positioning a crane attached to a base inthe vicinity of said tubulars; positioning at least one oil fieldtubular in an elongate trough; contracting cable or a plurality ofcables attached to said trough; raising or lowering said trough by saidcontracting; providing rotational capability of said crane in relationto said base; and moving the trough linearly in relation to said base bythe use of at least one power unit.
 24. The method of claim 23, furthercomprising moving the trough to or from the top of a rigging unit. 25.(canceled)
 26. The method of claim 23, further comprising telescopingmovement of said crane.
 27. The method of claim 23, further comprisingvertical pivotal movement of said crane in relation to said base.